1 Kings 11:36
New International Version
I will give one tribe to his son so that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put my Name.

New Living Translation
His son will have one tribe so that the descendants of David my servant will continue to reign, shining like a lamp in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen to be the place for my name.

English Standard Version
Yet to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.

Berean Standard Bible
I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.

King James Bible
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

New King James Version
And to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for Myself, to put My name there.

New American Standard Bible
But to his son I will give one tribe, so that My servant David may always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name.

NASB 1995
‘But to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may have a lamp always before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name.

NASB 1977
‘But to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may have a lamp always before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name.

Legacy Standard Bible
But to his son I will give one tribe, that My servant David may have a lamp always before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen for Myself to put My name.

Amplified Bible
Yet to his son I will give one tribe, so that My servant David may have a lamp always before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put My Name and Presence.

Christian Standard Bible
I will give one tribe to his son, so that my servant David will always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city I chose for myself to put my name there.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city I chose for Myself to put My name there.

American Standard Version
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

Contemporary English Version
but Solomon's son will still rule one tribe. This way, my servant David will always have a descendant ruling in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to be worshiped.

English Revised Version
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp alway before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
I will give his son one tribe so that my servant David will always have a lamp in my presence in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to place my name.

Good News Translation
but I will let Solomon's son keep one tribe, so that I will always have a descendant of my servant David ruling in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen as the place where I am worshiped.

International Standard Version
I'll give one tribe to his son, so my servant David will always have a light shining in my presence in Jerusalem, the city that I chose for myself and where I have placed my name.

Majority Standard Bible
I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name.

NET Bible
I will leave his son one tribe so my servant David's dynasty may continue to serve me in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen as my home.

New Heart English Bible
To his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

Webster's Bible Translation
And to his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for me to put my name there.

World English Bible
I will give one tribe to his son, that David my servant may have a lamp always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and to his son I give one tribe, for there being a lamp before Me for My servant David in Jerusalem [for] all the days, the city that I have chosen for Myself to put My Name there.

Young's Literal Translation
and to his son I give one tribe, for there being a lamp to David My servant all the days before Me in Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen to Myself to put My name there.

Smith's Literal Translation
And to his son I will give one tribe on account of there being a light to David my servant all the days before me in Jerusalem the city which I chose to me to put my name there.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And to his son I will give one tribe, that there may remain a lamp for my servant David before me always in Jerusalem the city which I have chosen, that my name might be there.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Then, to his son, I will give one tribe, so that there may remain a lamp for my servant David before me, for all days, in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen, so that my name would be there.

New American Bible
I will give his son one tribe, that David my servant may always have a holding before me in Jerusalem, the city I have chosen, to set my name there.

New Revised Standard Version
Yet to his son I will give one tribe, so that my servant David may always have a lamp before me in Jerusalem, the city where I have chosen to put my name.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And to his son I will give one tribe, that David my servant may have an heir always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And his son I shall give one tribe, because my Servant David will have a lamp all the days before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And unto his son will I give one tribe, that David My servant may have a lamp alway before Me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen Me to put My name there.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But to his son I will give the two remaining tribes, that my servant David may have an establishment continually before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen for myself to put my name there.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Jeroboam's Rebellion
35But I will take ten tribes of the kingdom from the hand of his son and give them to you. 36I will give one tribe to his son, so that My servant David will always have a lamp before Me in Jerusalem, the city where I chose to put My Name. 37But as for you, I will take you, and you shall reign over all that your heart desires, and you will be king over Israel.…

Cross References
2 Samuel 7:13-16
He will build a house for My Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. / I will be his Father, and he will be My son. When he does wrong, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the blows of the sons of men. / But My loving devotion will never be removed from him as I removed it from Saul, whom I removed from before you. ...

1 Kings 15:4
Nevertheless, for the sake of David, the LORD his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem by raising up a son to succeed him and to make Jerusalem strong.

2 Chronicles 21:7
Yet the LORD was unwilling to destroy the house of David, because of the covenant He had made with David, and since He had promised to maintain a lamp for David and his descendants forever.

Psalm 132:17
There I will make a horn grow for David; I have prepared a lamp for My anointed one.

Isaiah 9:7
Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish and sustain it with justice and righteousness from that time and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will accomplish this.

Jeremiah 33:17
For this is what the LORD says: David will never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel,

2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to his aid, struck the Philistine, and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, “You must never again go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel may not be extinguished.”

2 Samuel 23:5
Is not my house right with God? For He has established with me an everlasting covenant, ordered and secured in every part. Will He not bring about my full salvation and my every desire?

1 Kings 8:25
Therefore now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father David, what You promised when You said: ‘You will never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants guard their way to walk before Me as you have done.’

2 Chronicles 6:16
Therefore now, O LORD, God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father David, what You promised when You said: ‘You will never fail to have a man to sit before Me on the throne of Israel, if only your descendants guard their way to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’

Matthew 1:1
This is the record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham:

Luke 1:32-33
He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David, / and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever. His kingdom will never end!”

Acts 2:29-30
Brothers, I can tell you with confidence that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. / But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that He would place one of his descendants on his throne.

Romans 1:3
regarding His Son, who was a descendant of David according to the flesh,

Revelation 22:16
“I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star.”


Treasury of Scripture

And to his son will I give one tribe, that David my servant may have a light always before me in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

David

1 Kings 15:4
Nevertheless for David's sake did the LORD his God give him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him, and to establish Jerusalem:

2 Samuel 7:16,29
And thine house and thy kingdom shall be established for ever before thee: thy throne shall be established for ever…

2 Samuel 21:17
But Abishai the son of Zeruiah succoured him, and smote the Philistine, and killed him. Then the men of David sware unto him, saying, Thou shalt go no more out with us to battle, that thou quench not the light of Israel.

light [heb] lamp, or candle

1 Kings 11:13
Howbeit I will not rend away all the kingdom; but will give one tribe to thy son for David my servant's sake, and for Jerusalem's sake which I have chosen.

1 Kings 9:3
And the LORD said unto him, I have heard thy prayer and thy supplication, that thou hast made before me: I have hallowed this house, which thou hast built, to put my name there for ever; and mine eyes and mine heart shall be there perpetually.

Galatians 4:25,26
For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children…

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1 Kings 11
1. Solomon's wives and concubines
4. In his old age they draw him to idolatry
9. God threatens him,
14. Solomon's adversaries were Hadad, who was entertained in Egypt
23. Rezon, who reigned in Damascus
26. And Jeroboam, to whom Ahijah prophesied
41. Solomon's acts, reign, and death. Rehoboam succeeds him














Yet to his son
This phrase refers to the promise God made concerning Solomon's lineage. Despite Solomon's disobedience, God shows mercy by preserving a portion of the kingdom for his son. The Hebrew word for "son" here is "בֵּן" (ben), which signifies not only a direct descendant but also a continuation of a legacy. This highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant with David, ensuring that David's line would not be completely cut off.

I will give one tribe
The "one tribe" refers to the tribe of Judah, which would remain under the rule of Solomon's descendants. Historically, this is significant as it sets the stage for the division of the kingdom into Israel and Judah. The Hebrew word for "tribe" is "שֵׁבֶט" (shevet), which can also mean "scepter" or "staff," symbolizing authority and governance. This reflects God's sovereign control over the political landscape of Israel.

so that My servant David
The term "My servant David" underscores the special relationship between God and David. The Hebrew word for "servant" is "עֶבֶד" (eved), which implies loyalty and dedication. David is often seen as a model king, a man after God's own heart, and this phrase reaffirms God's commitment to David's legacy despite the failings of his descendants.

may always have a lamp
The "lamp" symbolizes the enduring presence and guidance of God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, a lamp was a symbol of life and continuity. The Hebrew word "נֵר" (ner) is used here, indicating that David's lineage would continue to shine and provide leadership. This metaphor also points to the Messianic hope, as Jesus Christ, the Light of the World, would come from David's line.

before Me in Jerusalem
Jerusalem holds a central place in God's plan, chosen as the city where His presence would dwell. The phrase "before Me" suggests a direct relationship and favor from God. The Hebrew word "לְפָנַי" (lefanai) means "in front of" or "in the presence of," indicating that David's line would have a special standing before God in the holy city.

the city where I chose to put My Name
This phrase emphasizes God's sovereign choice of Jerusalem as the spiritual center of Israel. The Hebrew word for "chose" is "בָּחַר" (bachar), which conveys a deliberate and purposeful selection. "My Name" refers to God's presence and authority, as His name represents His character and covenant promises. This underscores the theological significance of Jerusalem as the focal point of worship and divine interaction with His people.

Verse 36. - And unto his son will I give one tribe [cf. ver. 32, note], that David my servant may have a light alway before me [The same expression is found in 1 Kings 15:4; 2 Kings 8:19; 2 Chronicles 21:7; and compare Psalm 132:17. Keil would explain it by 2 Samuel 21:17; but 2 Samuel 14:7, "my coal which is left," appears to be a closer parallel. The idea is not that of a home (Rawlinson), but family, issue. We speak of the extinction of a family (Bahr) ] in Jerusalem, the city which I have chosen me to put my name there.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
I will give
אֶתֵּ֣ן (’et·tên)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

one
אֶחָ֑ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

tribe
שֵֽׁבֶט־ (šê·ḇeṭ-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7626: Rod, staff, club, scepter, tribe

to his son,
וְלִבְנ֖וֹ (wə·liḇ·nōw)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

so that
לְמַ֣עַן (lə·ma·‘an)
Conjunction
Strong's 4616: Purpose -- intent

My servant
עַ֠בְדִּי (‘aḇ·dî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5650: Slave, servant

David
לְדָֽוִיד־ (lə·ḏā·wîḏ-)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1732: David -- perhaps 'beloved one', a son of Jesse

will always
כָּֽל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

have
הֱיֽוֹת־ (hĕ·yō·wṯ-)
Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961: To fall out, come to pass, become, be

a lamp
נִ֣יר (nîr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5216: A lamp, light

before Me
לְפָנַי֙ (lə·p̄ā·nay)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | first person common singular
Strong's 6440: The face

in Jerusalem,
בִּיר֣וּשָׁלִַ֔ם (bî·rū·šā·lim)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 3389: Jerusalem -- probably 'foundation of peace', capital city of all Israel

the city
הָעִיר֙ (hā·‘îr)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5892: Excitement

where
אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

I chose
בָּחַ֣רְתִּי (bā·ḥar·tî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 977: To try, select

to put
לָשׂ֥וּם (lā·śūm)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

My name.
שְׁמִ֖י (šə·mî)
Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 8034: A name


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OT History: 1 Kings 11:36 To his son will I give one (1Ki iKi i Ki 1 Kg 1kg)
1 Kings 11:35
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